A warning about acids

Of all the chemicals used in the detail business, wheel acids are the most dangerous to the wheel, the employee, and the environment. Many contain hydrofluoric (HF) acid which is extremely harmful if you get it on your skin, in your eyes or inhale it and is not recommended.Sodium bi-fluoride reacts with water or moist skin to produce hydrofluoric acid.It has the ability to dissolve glass 

Hydrogen fluoride gas is an acute poison that may immediately and permanently damage lungs and the corneas of the eyes. Aqueous hydrofluoric acid is a contact-poison with the potential for deep, initially painless burns and ensuing tissue death. By interfering with body calcium metabolism, the concentrated acid may also cause systemic toxicity and eventual cardiac arrest and fatality, after contact with as little as 25 square inches of skin.

With any wheel acid, you should always wear safety equipment. This means glasses and gloves, and the work should be done in a well-ventilated area.

Non-acid wheel cleaners, while not as dangerous, have a high pH (12 or 13). They are harmful to your eyes and will severely dry out your hands if not used with gloves. So do not be fooled into thinking that they are not dangerous. They will also etch a painted surface just like an acid

Also, repeated use of wheel acid can break down in the resin in the clear-coat and cause it to cloud and/or deteriorate. So use acid only when absolutely necessary.Remember: Just because it cleans faster than non-acid does not mean you should always use it.

CDC Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Treatment - https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/hydrofluoricacid/basics/facts.asp